In mid-March 2023, Italian intelligence revealed that the Wagner private military company (PMC) placed a $15 million bounty on Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, who has publicly accused Wagner of using hybrid warfare tactics by exacerbating the migrant crisis in Italy through its influence in African countries. Crosetto characterized the migrant surge as a strategic weapon targeting Italy’s geostrategic interests and called on NATO allies to share the burden. Despite these threats, Crosetto reportedly did not enhance his personal security. Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin denied involvement, insulting Crosetto in a Telegram post. The Wagner Group is also actively engaged in the intense battle for Bakhmut in Ukraine. This incident highlights Wagner’s multifaceted role as a Russian proxy involved in both military conflicts and hybrid warfare tactics across Europe and Africa.

In mid-March 2023, Italian intelligence revealed that the Wagner private military company (PMC) placed a $15 million bounty on Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, who has publicly accused Wagner of using hybrid warfare tactics by exacerbating the migrant crisis in Italy through its influence in African countries. Crosetto characterized the migrant surge as a strategic weapon targeting Italy’s geostrategic interests and called on NATO allies to share the burden. Despite these threats, Crosetto reportedly did not enhance his personal security. Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin denied involvement, insulting Crosetto in a Telegram post. The Wagner Group is also actively engaged in the intense battle for Bakhmut in Ukraine. This incident highlights Wagner’s multifaceted role as a Russian proxy involved in both military conflicts and hybrid warfare tactics across Europe and Africa.